J'adore-T-shirt Vinyl tutorial

I finally bought some t-shirt vinyl and decided to give it a try.  It is so easy, fun, and looks wonderful.  Here's what I made.

Expressions vinyl has great video tutorials to show you how to use it.  The tricky part is you need to cut everything backwards (or your image will be reversed when you iron it on-not a problem for many images but a big problem for letters).  I have an original cricut and it doesn't have a flip button but I do have sure cuts a lot so I was able to do it.  If you are in the same situation here's a quick how to. 

lay your t-shirt vinyl shiny side down on your mat.

In your software add your graphic and words.  The click the flip button.  The easiest way for the words is to spell out the entire word then click flip.  If you have more then one word start with the last word.

set your blade depth to 2, pressure to 3, and slow speed (I think the software automatically cuts it slow).  You do not want to cut through the shiny transfer paper.  Cut your design

Pull off the extra vinyl

Lay the sticky side down on your shirt (my camera died right about now but this is what my layout looked like).  Turn your iron on (between cotton and polyester) and gently iron the transfer paper.  Carefully peel off the transfer paper.  If the vinyl is coming off with it lay it back down and iron again. 

In no time you will have a new shirt.

*I don't have anyone that will fit into this adorable onesie so its now up for sale in my etsy shop.*

Flower Blanket

My three year old LOVES blankets.  She has one she calls flower blanket and has to have it.  Its getting worn so I thought I would make her a new flower blanket.  I just finished it this morning and gave it to her and she is in love.  Hopefully this one will give her other poor blanket a break every once in a while. 

So I've made a quilt top before but never quilted or binded a quilt before.  This was my test run before I finish the one for her bed.  Its very simple and I just kind of guessed and went with it.  After I relized I better read how to machine quilt or have some one help me because this looks pretty messy.  So all of you professional quilters just turn away and I promise I'll learn before I make the real one. 

Vintage Sewing Machine Art

 

I've been working like crazy on my craft room.  Most organizing done and now I just need to decorate.  This gives you a peek at the colors I'm planning.  Also I love the look of silhouettes and vintage sewing machines so I thought I'd combine the two.

I painted the frame blue and then white. Then sanded the edges so the blue would show through in some place.  It gives it a great distressed look.  I also added some hand embroidery to give it a little more detail.  Perfect for my craft room

old american flag tutorial and Printable

Update: Another option would be to attach to a thin board and frame!  Also this was burlap from the garden section.  The holes are are much larger then burlap you buy at a fabric store.  I'm sure either on would work you may just end up with a little different finish.

 Old American Flag 
 

The size of the flag makes it the perfect statement piece for any room.  It is hand painted on burlap giving it texture and a more rustic and aged look.  The burlap also gives the appearance of  a painted canvas.  Its new spot is in the living room surrounded by family photos and I can't think of a more appropriate place.  It reminds me of the love I have for my country and the gratitude I have for the heroes that fought and those that continue to fight for us.  Its the perfect summer decoration or you could even use it year round.

Ready to make your own? 

Start out with a foam board  and cut a piece of burlap a little larger.  Tape it in place.

 Paint your box for the stars white and they start painting stripes.  Burlap was tough to paint.  dab a little and then just keep brushing.  You don't want to use too much paint at a time or you will end up with globs of paint like I did.

Cut some stars out on contact paper and adhere where you want them.  Paint your box blue.  Once it dries peal off your contact paper and you'll have white stars.

  

One it dries peel off your flag from your board (the paint makes it stick a bit).  I flipped my board over because it made the large paint spots a little less noticeable.  Spray your board with a spray adhesive and attach your flag.  Trim the edges.

This is one of my favorite patriotic songs so I thought it would be perfect to add to my home.
You are welcome to use this free printable if you would like.  Right click and "save picture as" then print it out.